Aldine ISD Middle School Students Attend Career and Technical Education Expo

The youngsters learned about CTE programs the District offers that will help them plot their career path.

Gearing up for the next school year, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department recently hosted a CTE Expo at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center to show students what the District has to offer.

Several technical clubs and classes from across the District had booths and demonstrations for middle school students. The Expo showcased the District’s CTE class options to encourage enrollment for the following school year. Everything from cooking to nursing was up for display providing information to students about their topics.

Principal Ben Ibarra (far left) talks with students. The deadline to apply to the new Blanson CTE High School for the 2018-2019 school year is Dec. 15, 2017.

Ben Ibarra attended the event. As the principal of Dr. Archie L. Blanson CTE High School set to open in fall 2018, he and his staff shared information about the campus programs and how to apply for admission.

“I think it (Expo) went really well,” said Ibarra. “These are the kinds of classes that prepare students for actual work after high school.”

Middle school students talked to campus representatives including current CTE students from the various high schools. CTE students also provided presentations. There were also students from extracurricular clubs present. The event gave middle school students a strong sampling of the different career preparation opportunities they can experience in high school.

Classes like automotive, animation, welding and robotics were some of the student favorite booths at the expo. Some of the programs offer real-time job experience. Classes and clubs like FCCLA, DECA, JROTC and many others also held booths and demonstrations for students.

“A lot of the programs are gearing students toward certification,” said Franklin Higgins, director CTE. “If they get fully certified, they’re on top of the list of potential hires for businesses.”

Eighth graders combed the expo searching for that program that sparked their interest. The annual expo, Higgins added, showcases what the schools have to offer students aside from traditional classes and activities.

“We hope the students gain a lot of knowledge,” said Higgins. “The expo can lead toward classes students want to take and help them discover the kind of career they want.”

According to Higgins, CTE can be an integral part of every student’s education so they can graduate from high school globally competitive for work as well as prepare them for post-secondary education.

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ALDINE ISD STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

It is the policy of Aldine ISD not to discriminate or engage in harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status in its educational and vocational programs, services or activities or matters related to employment as required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.